BOOK REVIEWS
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BACK TO SCHOOL LUNCHES
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AUGER & FRIENDS
NEW TRIBE magazine THIS MAN WILL SAVE THE FUTURE
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TURN UP THE VOLUME
*CHRISTIANA LATHAM * REVIEWS MOVIE U AROUND TOWN
Free Vol. 11 Issue 4 SEPTEMBER 2012 Now Available online www.usay.ca
NOTEBOOK from*the*editor Hello New Tribe Readers,
Need updates on upcoming USAY and New Tribe Magazine Back to school already? Yup, it’s events? Feel free to search us that time of year again where out on Face book and join our we are all getting ready to start growing friends list. We post a new year of upcoming events, learning and submission getting involved requ irements with promising and deadlines, experiences. and fun stuff like upcoming If you’re going movie nights and back to school, book clubs. It is or if you are also a great place getting kids to comment on ready for it, stories or articles everyone at New you wish to see Tribe magazine in our upcoming and USAY wish issues. you a great start to the new school year. Do you have an opinion on this This issue is also filled with issue of New Tribe magazine? some great articles that will help Good, bad, or ugly send in your the back to school process with thoughts and we will print it in helpful tips on packing school the letters section. lunches, and getting motivated to head back to class.. Spread the word, and stay true to it. We also showcase the finished Blackfoot Graphic Novel II John Medeiros project with a feature on ‘Ak Managing Editor Skim Aan’ (Hunter) on page 20.
NEW TRIBE
Calgary’s Aboriginal Youth Monthly usayeditor@gmail.com Managing Editor John Medeiros Graphic Design Aboriginal Design Group Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth Suite 1109, 615 Macleod Trail South Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 403.233.8225 Executive Director LeeAnne Ireland Program Manager Rachel Paris Office Manager Jessica Hawryluk Board of Directors President Sarena Provost Vice-President Amanda Gonet Treasurer Melaina Patenaude Secretary Cheryl Hanley
NEW TRIBE is a monthly magazine. Our mission is to promote a positive outlook on Aboriginal living in an urban setting by promoting information sharing within the Aboriginal and youth communities Opinions expressed in submitted work/letters are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NEW TRIBE or USAY. This magazine is a forum for Aboriginal youth to speak their minds and share their stories without intervention. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for plagiarism of the works in the magazine. All writings are presumed to be the original work of the contributing authors.
Special Thanks to our Community Partners & Funders
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CONTENTS
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6
26 SEPTEMBER
COVER STORY
BLACKFOOT GRAPHIC NOVEL
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Story by Christine McFarlane Photography by JOHN MEDEIROS
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NEWS BRIEFS
12 23
COMMUNITY
7 WHAT’S GOING ON?
24 TALENT
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26
JESSEE WISE
10 BACK TO SCHOOL
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12 ON THE TABLE
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MUSIC REVIEW
14 POETRY
32
MOVIE REVIEW
15 COMMUNITY
34
LITERALLY
16 FICTION
36
DRUM & DANCE
18 YAWN
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U AROUND TOWN
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NEWS*BRIEFS
Aboriginal Happenings From Across Canada First Nation celebrates new access road
MANITOBA -A
massive new road network reaching into northern Manitoba is not only linking remote communities with all-season transportation access, itÕ s providing First Nations communities with construction employment and expertise. Bloodvein First Nation, a community located almost 210 km north of Winnipeg, recently celebrated the completion of a 2.5-km access road linking the community to a 1,000-km road network under construction to the north and east side of Lake Winnipeg. It represents the first road link between a remote community and Winnipeg since 1979. The province has committed $1.2 billion to the road network project, at $75 million per year over the next 15 years. Currently, Winnipeg is only accessible from Bloodvein through a combination of ice roads and ferry crossings. However, the all-season road is still under construction and an additional 27 km of road and four bridges must still be built to complete the link to Bloodvein.
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A year-round connection to Winnipeg is anticipated by 2014. Bloodvein First Nation workers have undertaken a significant amount of preconstruction work on the all-season road, particularly wilderness clearing, site preparation and gravel crushing. In turn, that experience and the profits from earlier contracts have allowed the community to form its own construction company, Bloodvein First Nation Construction Inc. The company has purchased a fleet of heavy equipment that includes a gravel crusher, three trucks, two excavators, a water truck and a sewer truck.
SOURCE -THE FIRST PERSPECTIVE
Red Road Lodge in trouble after funding denied
WINNIPEG -The head of WinnipegÕ s Red Road Lodge says he is baffled that he has been turned down for a federal grant, after years of receiving it.
Chief executive officer Richard Walls runs the lodge, which houses clients recovering from addictions and mental health issues, as well as providing programming for people on the street.
Walls took over the Occidental Hotel years ago and turned it into a nonprofit, alcohol-free facility that provides transitional housing, access to mentalhealth staff, and a resource centre that includes a computer lab and an art studio. But Walls said he was recently turned down flat for a federal grant from the Homelessness Partnering Strategy after doubling his request for money. Walls said without that money, he has to lay off staff and there will be an immediate impact. While the 45 rooms inside the lodge will remain Ñ funding for that part of the facility comes from the provincial government Ñ the lack of federal funding means some clients will have to relocate. Ò We are immediately É I wouldnÕ t say evicting, weÕ re transitioning six of our residents who have high-needs mental health issues,Ó he said. Ò We have no one to supervise them [and] no one to help them SOURCE -CBC NEWS
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TRIBE*ART
CORY LITTLELIGHT 6
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What’s Going On? SEPTEMBER,2012 Sept 06 Calgary Art Walks Calgary, AB www.artistsforthepoor.ca
Sept 12 Sloan in Concert Republik (18+) Calgary, AB
Sept 07 Zoogala Calgary, AB www.calgaryzoo.com
Sept 14 Fundraising Gala for Ghost River Discovery MacEwan Hall Calgary, AB
Sept 08 Calgary Run for Water Eau Claire Calgary, AB Sept 08 Springbank Fall Fair Springbank Park Calgary, AB Sept 11 Stone Temple Pilots Big Four Building Calgary, AB Sept 11 Tech N9ne in Concert The Distillery (18+) Calgary, AB
Sept 16 Big Sean in Concert Flames Central (18+) Calgary, AB Sept 16 The Terry Fox Run Eau Claire Calgary, AB Sept 17 - 23 Calgary Improv Festival Calgary, AB www.calgaryimprovfestival. com
Sept 20 - 30 Calgary International Film Festival Calgary, AB www.calgaryfilm.com Sept 23 Calgary Peace Run Eau Claire Calgary, AB Sept 27 - 29 Noctis V Metal Festival and Conference Calgary, AB www.noctisvalkyries.com Sept 29 Light the Night Calgary Eau Claire Calgary, AB
Calgary YMCA Rec night Every Tuesday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
If you have an event youÕ d like us to include in our monthly calendar, email it to us - usayeditor@gmail.com by the third Wednesday of the month. Submission deadline for the Oct 2012 issue: Sept 25
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“Shoot for the stars. Nothing is impossible when you set your mind to it!” By: Christine McFarlane
For some reason, when someone hears that you suffer with mental health issues, the immediate thought is Ò that person is crazy,Ó or an individual will only hear the word Ô mental healthÕ or see a particular symptom and walk away from you. In part, I donÕ t totally blame individuals who think this; I blame society, and the negative stigma that they have attached to mental health. Mental health encompasses so much more than just the make up of an individual. Within the Aboriginal worldview, health is seen as encompassing the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. I know and have come to understand that yes, maybe the way my life started out could have played a huge part in how my mental health faltered in my later years, but I am not going to bemoan the fact that what I have been through, is what has made me who I am today- a fighter! I am just one individual who has struggled with chronic depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic anxiety and eating disorders, and I believe that each of us, whether we do it individually
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or collectively, can help take steps towards eradicating the negative Ò I want to say chi miigwetch (a big stigma that society has imposed thank you) to my friend and mentor Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, who on the issue of mental health. happens to be here with me tonight I was one of five recipients to and is someone I aspire to be like. receive a Transforming Lives Award from CAMH (the Centre I also want to say a huge thank you to for Addiction and Mental Health First Nations House at the University on June 6, 2012. The night that I of Toronto for being there for me received my award, I was struck throughout my years of study and for by the outright resiliency of each helping me to feel like I finally belong. recipient and how we all have managed to keep going despite Lastly, for my niece, our struggles and difficulties. I remember when they called my Obstacles can be overcome! name, and I had to walk up to the stage. I was literally shaking in Thank you!Ó my shoes, I could say boots, but I wasnÕ t wearing them (lol) they I wanted to say so much more, but had me stop and watch the video the fear of being in front of 900 they had made of my story. It was people got the best of me, so I the first time I had seen the video said what I could. But in my heart, since it had been taped and when I hold a special place for everyone my story replayed out in front of who has been with me through me, I almost started to cry. The my journey. The journey hasnÕ t tears were not out of sadness, but always been smooth, nor should out of the sheer pride and joy I felt I ever expect it to be, but I have at finally being able to turn my life made it. CAMH- the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and around for the better. the great people who have been in There were so many people that my life have helped in more ways I wanted to say thank you to, than one, and for that, I am forever but when I got in front of the grateful! microphone, I froze. In part, I said:
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BACK TO SCHOOL LUNCHES
Before sending the kids off to school, you try to make sure they eat a good, nutritious breakfast to feed their brains and fuel their bodies. A healthy breakfast would include protein, dairy and whole grains with minimal added sugars. Most cereals are loaded with bad carbs and added sugar. It is no wonder the kids canÕ t concentrate when on a natural high of sweets with no nutritional value. The same principle goes for your childÕ s lunches. There are many healthy alternatives to place in your childÕ s lunch each day. You certainly donÕ t want to say the 10
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dreaded words that Ò itÕ s for your own goodÓ or Ò its healthier for you.” It can be difficult to choose the right foods that can benefit the health of your child without sending them into a sugary coma. If you serve them fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, you wonÕ t have a problem encouraging good lunches. In recent years, most products have improved to contain healthier ingredients; meats and cheeses contain less fat and sodium, crackers, pasta and other carbs are stressing whole grains and fiber. As you provide your kids with these
choice alternatives to empty and fattening calories, what they don’t know will benefit them. Childhood obesity and a short attention span are due to the types of foods consumed. Your youngsters can concentrate more on their schooling when their bodies are fueled with proper nutrition. When preparing sandwiches, use whole-grain breads, light or fat-free mayonnaise and lowfat meats and cheeses. Peanut butter provides varieties with less sugar and fat while jams and jellies come in the sugarfree choices.Tuna contains highprotein and is more beneficial
COMMUNITY when canned in water. For less into strips and provide with a fat, use the albacore white tuna honey mustard dip. variety. Many ready-made snacks In place of the traditional are not as healthy as your bread sandwich, try making own homemade treats. A a wrap with same low-fat wholesome trail mix can be ingredients on a whole wheat made from a whole-grain cereal, or low-carbohydrate wrap. sunflower seeds, nuts, pretzels, Any combination of items dried raisins or other fruits tastes good in a wrap, even and dark chocolate morsels. the traditional peanut butter Some additional snacks may and jelly. For variety, use low- include an unsweetened fruit fat Triscuit or Ritz crackers to cup, air-popped popcorn, make mini-sandwiches. Ritz also dried cranberries or cherries. makes a whole-grain variety of Consider adding small cups cracker for better nutrition. of low fat yogurt or cottage cheese into the lunch bag. Whip up a nutritionally loaded tuna or chicken salad by adding When adding a few chips or some light mayo, mustard, pretzels to your childÕ s lunch, opt carrot and celery, along with a for the baked varieties rather small diced apple for taste and than the typical friend potato crunch. You can substitute pear chips. Be conscientious of the for apple. Place the mixture in types of drinks you provide a healthy wrap or whole wheat that are not loaded with sugar. pita for a special sweet taste. Rather than the empty sugary Your child will never know he calories in soda pop, choose or she is getting a proper supply naturally sweetened fruit juices, of fruits and vegetables in this low-fat milk and water, flavored delicious meal. or plain.
Season further to taste and bake until crispy. All kids love Rice Krispie bars.Try a healthier version with a healthy, chunky peanut butter, honey, brown rice cereal and copped cherries. Mix together and press mixture in 9x13-inch pan sprayed with cooking spray. Chill and cut into squares.
You can provide your child many of the same traditional foods, but select a healthier version. These better choices can give your kids more energy, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Most children do not get enough fruits and vegetables in their lunches along with necessary fiber. Make better choices for your child by swapping sweets for fresh or unsweetened fruits, load the lunch with protein, fiber and healthy fats while exchanging refined carbs for whole-wheat and whole-grain varieties. A healthy way of living not only helps your child become more productive each day; it also helps to establish healthy eating Further wholesome treats habits for life. may include an assortment of carrot and celery sticks with a low-fat dip; apple slices with peanut butter, low-fat cheese cubes or sticks and grapes, an unsweetened homemade fruit salad, almonds and raisins or a fresh fruit.
Some other healthy lunch ideas may be hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken breasts, low-fat cheese spread on whole-grain or whole wheat crackers, a thermos of homemade hot soup and a whole-grain bagel with vegetable cream cheese spread. You can also use a whole wheat tortilla to make a mini burrito with beans, brown Try making your own pita chips rice and salsa. Another idea is with a whole wheat pita tossed cutting a grilled chicken breast in olive oil and a little sea salt.
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FLAVOR
On the Table Sloppy Joes INGREDIENTS 1 pound lean ground beef 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard 3/4 cup ketchup 3 teaspoons brown sugar salt to taste ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, onion, and green pepper; drain off liquids. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar; mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
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crafts
Crafts LEAF TOKENS Materials Leaf samples Polymer clay Waxed paper Bowl, lid, or glass with a wide base Toothpick Tweezers INSTRUCTIONS
Collect leaf samples from the trees and large bushes in your yard or on a walk. At home, form clay into balls. Sandwich one between two sheets of waxed paper, then use the bottom of the bowl to press the clay into a disk. Peel back the top sheet, place a leaf on the disk, replace the paper, and flatten the clay with the bowl to a 1/4-inch thickness. Flip the clay over. Use a toothpick to carve the tree’s name into the clay. Flip the clay over again and remove the leaf with tweezers.
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POETRY
Rainy Days by Cory Littlelight
I know I’ll come back some day Just don’t know when Seems like lately every day is a miss for me When will this losing streak end? I’m tired of starting over I think I lost my way I’m trying to stay strong But the hope that I’ll one day change is starting to fade Where did I go wrong? It’s so hard to hold on Cause everything I ever loved is dead and gone And all I can say is…. I don’t know if I’ll ever change my ways Especially when everything is dark and grey All I see is rainy days
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Community
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TRI BE*FICTION
LITTLE RAIN CHULIPA
Little Rain was a twelve year old boy who enjoyed the finer things in life. He enjoyed hunting animals to make pelts for his tribe, creating new ways to hunt with new ideas of weapons for his tribe, and beading with his family. Nothing meant more to him than to make a difference to his people in his little reservation called Chucalope. Chucalope was a very quiet place just outside of a big city known as Traverse Town, but to Little Rain and his tribe it was called the Death of Man. The tribe Chucalope did not care for Traverse Town as it had stolen most of their people’s lands and corrupted the earth with its filth. Little Rain would stay up late to listen to the wolves howl and the crickets chirp until the night had submersed itself into a 16
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morning glare. One day I will visit this town caller Traverse Town said Little Rain. There I will make my people known and give back to them even more and show all that we can live together in peace. Little Rain had high hopes and big dreams and he wasn’t going to let the tribesmen tell him otherwise.
food and essentials to prepare him for his venture to the city where the wolves don’t howl and the crickets don’t chirp. As he began to see his reservation become farther and farther away with every step he took, he had to pause to look into the stars to ensure himself that he was doing the right thing. I will show my people that the city is not that Some of the other boys in Lit- bad he thought. tle Rains tribe doubted him when he spoke of his plan. I will show my people that we You aren’t going anywhere can live in peace and not reLittle Rain said one. Yeah! morse he said, with a luring Don’t you know there’s a grin on his face. Yeah! This reason why they call it Death will be alright he screamed! of Man? Said another. Little While quickly covering his Rain smirked and thought mouth hoping he did not wake you will see, you will all see. anything or anyone around him. Late one night when everyone in Tribe Chucalope was As he continued to walk he asleep, Little Rain had packed began to see a peculiar light a small handkerchief full of off in the distance. This light
TRI BE*FICTION is not made by nature he had said. As he began to venture further he started to hear noises, scary noises that of which a bear makes. Being a good hunter he has never taken on a bear on his own he thought. He had decided to make camp in a nearby cave until morning came.
so big!? He said. As he was gawking at the buildings he accidentally ran into another person, a boy. Excuse me Little Rain said I am very sorry for running into you. The boy smiled and said it’s ok my name is Jack, what’s yours? Little Rain was intrigued to find that the boy Jack was not ruthless and scary as the other boys at the reservation made city folk out to be. My name is Little Rain and I am from the reservation outside of town, my tribe is called Chucalope. The boy smiled and was excited to meet Little Rain. Would you like me to show you around Jack asked? Sure Jack, said Little Rain. I would most like that indeed I must have a story to tell my people when I return. Ok then! Said Jack let’s get going then!
Goodnight said Little Rain to himself, tomorrow we are going to make a big difference to your people, reassuring himself he slowly closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep. Chirp, Cheep, Cheep, Chirp, the birds began to sing as the sun rose over the horizon. Ah a new day to make my peoples worries goes away, said Little Rain. As little Rain awoke he had noticed that he was not too far from the city as a sign pointed him to the right direction. The sign read, Traverse Town one mile up the road. Jack was only fourteen years old and knew his way around Little Rain grew very eg- pretty well. He decided to ger to arrive to this so called show Little Rain all the inDeath of Man Town to prove teresting places that he too to his people that the rumors thought were fun. They began of such a place were not true. to venture to places like the As Little Rain got closer he arcade, ice cream parlor, and began to see people and large the museum of art. It’s getting buildings ones he has never late said Jack I think this is as seen before. much as I can show you today. It’s ok, said Little Rain. I How can they build these have seen so much, and I am
amazed about how much you and I have in common even though we are from different cultures. I would love to visit you again Jack and your wonderful city you call Traverse Town. Jack let out a big laugh and said, you are welcome anytime Little Rain next time bring your friends and we will have fun and venture the city together! Little Rain smiled and waved goodbye to Jack. As little Rain returned home his tribe was worried about him and were scared something had happened to him. He assured them he was fine and where he had been. So much to see, so much to do, so much we have in common he exclaimed. His people grew egger to learn more about his ventures. Unfortunately Little Rain was so tired he had fallen asleep right as his Tribe began to ask more questions. As he whispered to his tribe and family while his eyes heavily closed shut. Little Rain said another day another adventure for peace.
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Community
YAWN... BACK TO SCHOOL WE GO Sometimes as teenagers it can be hard to find the motivation to go back to school. The summer may have been great and the thought of going back can be unsettling. Summer is a time of fun and teenagers typically spend their summers with their friends and families. There are tips, however, that teenagers can follow in order to make the process of getting ready for school easy. These steps can be taken by any teenager who may be lacking motivation. Parents should also make the effort to remember these tips because they heavily influence the behavior of their 18
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children. One of the most important tips for preparing for school again is to look over their schedule. Every teenager usually gets their schedule in the mail. This is good because it allows the parents and teenager to see their classes. They can then compare their classes with their friends. This can then motivate them to get ready for the new year because they might be in the same classes as their friends. They will not have to go through the school year alone, and they will have someone who shares their similar interests.
Looking at the classes can also prepare the teenagerÕ s mind in terms of what they will be studying, which can give them a head start into being successful at that subject. Teenagers should also buy all of the necessary school supplies for the year. This may include paper, pencils, pens, highlighters, calculators, notepads, and any other item that will help them succeed. Parents should also be aware of this and search online. This will allow them to save money and find the best deals because a lot of companies only offer
HEALTH sale items for a limited time only. Having all the right school supplies allows the teenager to get a jump on the new school year. Another tip that has been quite successful for many teenagers is to read throughout the summer. This allows their mind to stay sharp and stay ready for the next school year. Reading allows the teenagers to tap into their cognitive functioning, which is great for enhancing memory and overall attention. Books also enhance a teenagerÕ s knowledge, which they can then use in the classroom. A salient issue with reading during the summer is that it is very inexpensive. Reading will prepare students for their actual classroom agenda, and the students will be better prepared. Some classes even require students to have a summer reading list so it could be mandatory.
One important aspect of school is actually waking up early enough to be on time. This can be the most difficult thing about going back to school because teenagers are accustomed to staying up late. Parents should get their children to go to bed early 2 weeks in advance before the school year starts. This gives them ample time to develop a sleep schedule that they can get accustomed to. This will allow them to wake up earlier; they wonÕ t be as groggy in the morning and can wake up feeling refreshed. Typically, it is ideal to let the children get 8 hours of sleep. As long as this requirement is met, they should be fine for the next day. Getting back to school is hard because teenagers want to have more fun during the summer. They donÕ t want to study or have homework every day. Parents should encourage their children that school is fun. Having fun is what summer is
all about, but parents should show their children that school can be fun too. They should reinforce them that they will have a great time because they will be with their friends and get to socialize. By mentally getting the teenager ready for school, they can make the process less stressful and actually an enjoyable experience. Another trick that can work for some teenagers is a gift. This shows the teenagers that they are appreciated for their hard work, and that the teenagers should continue their hard work at all times. Something like a new computer is one gift that is great because it is practical and could help them out in school. They can also have fun on it by playing games and watching their favorite movies/television shows. Parents reinforce their children with gifts and the children will know that hard work pays off.
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Community
BLACKFOOT GRAPHIC NOVEL
by Christine McFarlane
Graphic novels seem to be everywhere these days. They’re in your local bookstores; your libraries and they are even making their way into the educational system. Educators are touting the use of graphic novels as being an innovative tool for teaching. They can be a great way to differentiate instruction for learners in terms of reading and they can also be fun. The “graphic novel” is really a political term. It is a part of a growing effort to cast the comics’ medium in a new, more literary light, apart from the genres usually associated with it, and there are two strengths of the comic’s medium. One is that it is visual because it combines image and text, and that allows a graphic novel to bridge the gap between the media we watch and the media we read. Secondly, in comparison to other visual media like film and animation, graphic novels are permanent. The graphic novel has what you call a “visual permanence’ to them and this means that time
progresses only as quickly as your eyes move across the page before you. It is in how fast you choose to read that the rate of information-transfer stays within your control. Aboriginal cultures and languages play an intricate role in the Canadian identity. The project objective USAY is putting forth involves publishing a Blackfoot Graphic Novel, that will aim to increase the number of Blackfoot speakers among urban Aboriginal youth (aged fourteen to twenty-nine), and help revitalize the Blackfoot culture, where people will see it as a strong, living and vibrant culture. In March 2011 USAY completed a pilot Blackfoot Graphic Novel, also known as “Niisoo” or Volume 1. The pilot was a great success and they recently completed a new story for the project called “Ak Skim Aan” or “Hunter.” All projects were completed with the funding provided by Canadian Heritage.
USAY has established a larger language initiative to develop innovative and culturally appropriate solutions to promote the Blackfoot culture by developing youth friendly language tools such as the Blackfoot Graphic Novel and Blackfoot Language eLearning. “It became important to us to develop different programs that could help preserve and grow Aboriginal languages, says LeeAnne Ireland, Executive Director of the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth,” and “the Blackfoot Graphic Novel program can play a very important in keeping our heritage alive.” USAY is hoping through their language initiative to benefit not only Aboriginal communities but other Canadians as well. They are proposing to continue pedagogical language resource tools in the form of a graphic novel. The development of the story line of the Volume 2 in the Blackfoot Graphic Novel would be based on feedback from a focus group discussion. Once NEW TRIBE SEPTEMBER 2012
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COMMUNITY the story was written in English, the script of the story would was translated into Blackfoot by a language consultant from the Blackfoot community. Artists and graphic designers then developed the visual component for Volume 2 into the panels. As with the previous Volume 1, Volume 2 will also provide youth with an accessible medium that will encourage them to learn the Blackfoot language and promote inter generational relationships. Managing Editor of New Tribe Magazine, John Medeiros says, “Using a graphic novel forum helps us engage our youth and keep them interested in preserving and learning about their language. “ As Volume 1 of this language initiative did, Volume 2 will also be accommodated by a DVD, which will include an animated version of the graphic novel with vocal overlays, and a documentary on the production process and cultural essence of the project. USAY has based the outcome of
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the Blackfoot Graphic Novel on short, intermediate and long-term results. They state that within the short term results they are hoping to have readers of the graphic novel gain (a) increased awareness and skills in the basic use of the Blackfoot language (b) Skills of proper pronunciation and intonation of the Blackfoot language and (c) understanding of the language context in cultural worldview.
three key objectives 1) Successful completion of project activities 2) Participant’s experiencesdocumented through interviews for documentary and qualitative assessment and 3) evaluation tools and a logic model. The graphic novel is seen as appealing to youth because it increases the likelihood that the youth will become engaged with the language and will engage in conversations regarding language and culture with those around them, and lastly USAY believes that this project is seen as part of a larger picture to establish a Blackfoot Language Library, where Medeiros says “we hope to continue this on a yearly basis and rotate different languages to try and do a small part in preserving a very important part of our past.”
Within the intermediate results, USAY would like to see an increased (a) number of new Aboriginal youth Blackfoot speakers and (b) sense of belonging and cultural identity, and within their long term results that there will be an increase in (a) the use of Blackfoot language among urban Aboriginal youth (b) domains in which the Blackfoot language is featured and (c) acceptance of Blackfoot USAY would like to thank Canadian Heritage for the funding cultures as living cultures. provided to make the BGN The Blackfoot Graphic Novel possible. program will be measured by
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TRIBE Talent
Christiana Latham 24
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Jessee Wise
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Winner of the $2000 USAY and Marsha Ellen Meidow Educational Scholarship I am grateful to USAY and the Marsha Ellen Meidow Foundation for financially assisting me to receive a better education. This wonderful opportunity empowers me as a determined young woman to dedicate my life to helping my community. If it were not for scholarships and other financial resources, I would be unable to attend university due to the financial burdens that an academic education can place in a single family home. The existence of scholarships like these enables me to ease my financial restrictions and places me on the path to achieving my academic and career goals. I am determined on pursuing a
educate and provide awareness to people in order to eliminate racism and ethnocentric bias. My career goal is to be an educator, advocator and mentor to youth who face the same barriers that I have as a young aboriginal woman. This scholarship alleviates my stress of financial burden and allows me to concentrate solely on my studies and volunteer work that will benefit me in my future career ambitions. Words cannot express how honoured I am in being the successful recipient of this scholarship; this is truly a stepping stone in helping me achieve my life aspirations. Jessee Wise with LeeAnne Ireland
career that will serve as an outreach program to Aboriginal youth and to assist Aboriginal people with a low socioeconomic standing in gaining a better quality of life. My life goal is to
Thank you USAY and the Marsha Ellen Meidow Foundation for offering scholarship opportunities that allow the aspiring youth of today to be the successful leaders of tomorrow!
- Jessee Wise
“On behalf of the Marsha Ellen Meidow Foundation, we would like to congratulation Jessee Wise! We wish her every success in her endeavours!� Jade Cooper, Director of the Board, Marsha Ellen Meidow Foundation. The Marsha Ellen Meidow Foundation is a not-for-profit organization which provides funding to worthwhile organizations and facilities that aid women and youth in high risk situations. Marsha proved that one person can make a difference! So can you! For more information regarding the FOundation, please visit www.marshaellenmeidowfoundation.com.
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S ’ T I
! E LEGENDS R E H
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BEATS
Turn up the Volume By Katty Jo Rabbit
Kitty Pryde Haha I’m sorry EP For a 19 year-old girl to be able to rap and self proclaim that she is the rap game pest is daring to say the least. To be able to find supporters in the Florida underground scene is saying a lot, because for Kitty Pryde she has been able to break through and make a statement even if it wasnÕ t really intentioned. You definitely have to give props to the boys and girls who make mixtapes who mix their own beats, spit their own rhymes, and loop the best hooks. Not a lot of people can do that, sure anyone with a Mac laptop can, but it takes real guts to actually perform and take it to the masses. With her EP being just twelve and a half minutes long, you know there isnÕ t really going to be enough time to really let it sink it, kind of like a letter passed in class, or a cool place you see in passing. Check out the song OrionÕ s Belt feat. Riff Raff, with smart casual lines, Ò You say, This little white girl is ruininÕ hip hop / I say, Ò Damn right!Ó / And take a lick of the Ring PopÓ It is great insight into her own abilities there is something about her lyrical style that is just so tasty. Even though a lot of the hardcore rap fans will consider this to be fluff, that is the beauty of it, she is not trying to be Lil Kim, and really who would want to be like that, she has a style all her own. With topics covering coke snorting, and drunk dialing, there is a honesty, a sort of realism that depicts how most of girls her age are feeling, bored. Listen to Okay Cupid.
Hot Chip In Our Heads Not really understanding this dubstep influence that seems to be popping up around the globe, it was hard to grasp the concept of this album. Once it was concluded that this was just a non sense word that pop and lockers made up to make themselves look cool, this album actually seems a little catchier. Influenced by disco, and upbeat lyrics, this was really fun to listen too. If you are going back to school, and are going to be in grade six, or even grade twelve make sure to add this to your spin while you shop. It will inspire you to try new things, and maybe a make- over? Anyways, with their 5th studio album Ò synth popÓ band Hot Chip have managed to create an airy light, and sweet sound. With there last album being a standout achievement this could possibly be the discovery album, you never know with catchy hooks, and great lines, you could see some definite sampling. Any of you coming of age rappers, definitely check this out for your next summer hit. Check out the songs Ò FlutesÓ , Ò Day and nightÓ bands like this remind me of a time when I played it for my granny and she actually got up and showed me a few moves, it was a pinnacle moment in my life, when I knew my granny was cooler then she looked. Who know an 60 year old woman from Standoff could pop and lock.
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BEATS
Music You Can Feel In Your Toes Smashing Pumpkins Oceania Crazy how everything old is new again, and yet itÕ s old, but more new then it was in the beginning. Does that make sense? Well it wasnÕ t supposed too, just like the ninth studio album from Billy Corgan and his new brand of band mates. With the rich delicately heavy guitar leads are really great examples of what Smashing Pumpkins have always been known for and will always be good. That is pretty much as far as it goes for the expected, yes you might get some moody rock here and there, but really with a different line up including Jimmy Chamberlain, and ex Veruca Salt bass player Nicole Fiorentino, you get a group of people who can play their own instruments. Instead of just relying on Corgan to record the pieces; there really hasnÕ t been anyone who could play along with Corgan, these two can hold their own, and they do. Even though it almost sounds like a new SP there is an element of common denominators, and it is like Billy is trying to hold on to the essence of SP but really it died with the band back when Melissa Auf De Mar was in the band, there is really nothing to hold onto. The new stuff is definitely worth the listen too, but with a band as old as SP there will be pros and cons. The pros being there is still loneliness and isolation themed songs that you can be in love with, the cons are it will never be as hard as Siamese Dream was, and you will never hear a song like Zero Bullet with butterfly wings happen again. Check out the acoustic version of Ò Violet RaysÓ if you feel so inclined to do so.
Ever Clear Invisible Stars Maybe this is what they call rocks stars that arenÕ t in the scene anymore in Portland Oregon, or maybe this is just what this threesome have felt since there failed attempts to return to the spot light. After six years and two scrub albums later lead singer Art Alexakis has decided that instead of trying to recreate what he once had, he is going to display what he has left. This is not a bad thing too, as is shows his fans that yes it is okay to move on, and still hold on to that person that you used to be, just donÕ t get stale mate. Either way, a great song to check out is Ò WishingÓ one to stay away from, which is actually something youÕ re going to have to suffer through as it could turn up on the radio is Ò Be careful what you ask forÓ It is a really terrible attempt to attract new listeners, when really the old ones have either retired, or have moved on and are now listening to the mature sounds of For those of you that donÕ t know, this band was okay in the 90Õ s, with the fashion scene embracing the sequined flannel shirt, this has begun another trend that really should have fallen off the face of the earth with the death of the king of grunge. But no, there are still mature rockers trying to find a foothold in a world that doesn’t really appreciate the esthetic of it all.
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MOVIES
See You at the Movies Starring Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway and Joseph Gordon-Levitt Four years after The Dark Knight - and seven after Batman Begins - comes quite possibly the most anticipated sequel to ever grace the blockbuster spectrum. While TDK was certainly a magnificent production, its obvious brilliance was somewhat overshadowed by the tragic, untimely death of Heath Ledger, its Oscar-winning Joker. This, the final part of Christopher NolanÕ s Batman trilogy, stands on its own as the best of the bunch. You get the sense that Nolan was really building towards something all along, and the conclusive film to the series delivers. The best way to view The Dark Knight Rises is by knowing as little about it other than the context gained from the previous two films - as possible. But for those who really want to know, Bruce Wayne is now a recluse, both mentally and physically scarred from his battles with The Joker and Harvey Dent. The (admittedly contrived) legacy of the latter has seen a crackdown on crime in Gotham under the Ô Harvey Dent ActÕ . Organised crime in the city has pretty much come to an end, with a thousand criminals who formerly ran the streets now behind bars. Batman has taken the fall for the demise of Dent, and Wayne sees no need for him to reappear; that is, until a new, terrifyingly powerful and enigmatic villain called Bane turns up intent on causing widespread carnage.
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See You at the Movies
MOV IES
Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick and Christopher Mintz-Plasse araNorman is a stop-motion animated film about a boy who can speak to the dead. Parents should know that the movie contains some language, crude humor, sexual references, and frightening scenes involving things like zombies and witches that could be potentially terrifying to very young children. A group of quirky and generally unattractive characters planted in the dingy town of Blithe Hollow sets the stage for this stop-motion comedy-thriller. The muted colors and fallish feel, a unique and varied soundtrack, and the eighties-style zombie horror movie theme meld together to create a stylized animated world unlike anything weÕ ve seen before. The somewhat trashy vibe is a harsh contrast to the visual beauty of Coraline, done by the same studio, but ParaNorman displays itÕ s own brand of wonderful artistry. The movie contains a heavy amount of rude or crude humor and language along with bullying behavior. Characters in the movie insult and belittle each other. The word Ò jackassÓ is used, along with many rude words like Ò stupid,Ó Ò loser,Ó and Ò jerk.Ó Some sexual references are made. For example, Norman dryly jokes to his mom that heÕ s watching Ò sex and violenceÓ on TV, another kid makes a references to adult video stores, a billboard shows a scantily clad witch with money sprouting out of her bosoms, and a girl hits on a guy who reveals that he already has a boyfriend. 3 out of 5 stars NEW TRIBE SEPTEMBER 2012
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LITERA LLY
Book Reviews For the restless mind That was then, this is now by S.E. Hinton Susan Hinton creates, draws, and writes the world of teenagers who can relate to her readings throughout history. The times change but not the teenage anxieties of fitting in, to that perfect clique, or even that part of town you reside in or have grown up. Those anxieties of fitting in somewhere and to something are always there. It amazes adults and students to this day how Susan can bring home exactly how teenagers feel from the time they enter high school until they graduate. It matters not the period of her writing or even the place of what she wrote, the teenage anxieties are everywhere throughout the nation, through every school in each state of the union, and throughout the years. Susan wrote about her own life as a teenager in a way that has touched many lives for the past 30 years. She is an inspiration to writers that can only dream of having their book published for as long as Susan has. Her gifted talent gets the readerÕ s attention from cover to cover and her excellence shows in whatever she creates. May her writing inspire the teenagers of every generation. The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky This novel is about a 15-year old coming of age that would appeal to any teenager or young adult. Charlie, who is the wallflower of the book, writes to an unknown person about his experiences, his ordeals, his loves, everything about his life. Charlie walls up inside himself through a bout of depression for reasons only known to him. Charlie appreciates life and is hurt when the people that he treasures most die. He observes the natural goings on of life, and it depresses him because he knows he cannot control them, but he still holds himself accountable for that aspect of their lives. He grows up experimenting with his own sexuality, love, drugs, dances, parties, everything a 15-year old should be experiencing and learning from. Charlie describes Ò ourÓ lives in a such a way that he still recedes into himself for the remainder of the book. Charlie finally grows out of his depression through his own accord that only the person dealing with those kinds of realizations would know how. Depression is not an easy disease to come out of and Charlie does it in a way that he saves himself more anxieties.
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LITERALLY
Book Reviews For the restless mind The Rise of Nine by Lore Pittacus Each of the characters grows into a separate entity with different points of views. Through the book, you get to know each of the nine along with Ella while they fight to stay alive and muster to find the missing others. The book is action packed filled with plenty of battles where they escape and battle more. It is a never ending legacy with the characters. Some would say that the Rise of Nine was a disappointment but in reality the climax should have been sooner in the book than at the end to make heads or tails of what the nine are all about and doing. The Rise of Nine is enjoyable from cover to cover. The hindsight is that Pittacus Lore will pick up where they left off with the story and grow every one of the nine and Ella too to where they need to be and for us to be able to see their progression. Their progression through this whole ordeal of Pittacus LoreÕ s is why we pick up the books and read an astounding story without thinking of the plot or the climax. Progression and suspense is everything in a storyline. Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel A scientific experiment is what brings the world come crashing down on Ben. He was told to treat a baby chimpanzee as his brother for his parents. The chimpanzee was to learn sign language through human effort but Ben did not understand why it was him that was the language teacher instead of his father. Ben grows into the male-dominant role at school through the teachings of his chimpanzee Ò half-brotherÓ . It is this teaching that he realizes that not everything is an experiment but he treats his first love just like his father is treating Zan, an experiment. When Zan learns sign language quite well Ben has second thoughts of treating Project Jennifer as a project. He realizes that he cannot be treating everything or everyone like his father. Learning is not through just experiments but by growing up and learning from experience. Ben was told to treat Zan like a member of the family but yet he does not understand why his own father is not doing what he was told to do and treats Zan what he naturally is, an experiment. Ben is like any normal human that love their pets unconditionally, through thick and thin. NEW TRIBE SEPTEMBER 2012
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U AROUND TOWN
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U AROUND TOWN
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